Veteran sports writer Jim Utter covers NASCAR for The Charlotte Observer and its racing site, ThatsRacin.com. In this space, Jim writes about all things NASCAR and other forms of racing which may also be relevant ... or not.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Mid-Ohio joins 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule

NASCAR on Tuesday unveiled the 2013 schedule for its Nationwide Series, a
lineup that includes a trip to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, for the first time in series history.
Mid-Ohio, a 2.4-mile,
15-turn road course marks the return of NASCAR to Ohio, the home state of the series’ Columbus-based entitlement
sponsor, Nationwide Insurance. Mid-Ohio’s Aug. 17 race joins the series’
lineup of road courses, including Road America (June 22) and Watkins
Glen (Aug. 10). “This gives us the opportunity to bring the series’ signature side-by-side
racing to a new fan base, and build enthusiasm among race fans that have yet to
experience the unparalleled experience of attending a NASCAR event," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations.“This is a
competitive and well-balanced schedule that challenges our drivers and teams
with a variety of different tracks and distances. It’s a schedule that the fans
will enjoy.”

The balance of the
2013 NASCAR Nationwide schedule maintains a familiar feel, with a strong mix of short
tracks, road courses, intermediate race tracks and superspeedways.

Daytona International
Speedway hosts the season opener on Feb. 23. That race also will feature the
introduction of Chevrolet’s Camaro into the series. The series finale at
Homestead-Miami Speedway is set for Nov. 16. Next season’s
schedule includes six “standalone” race dates: Iowa Speedway (June 8 and Aug.
3), Chicagoland Speedway (July 21), Kentucky Speedway (Sept. 21), Road America
and Mid-Ohio.

1 comment:

One quick, easy step NASCAR can take to be respected at the same level as NFL, MLB and NBA - require all drivers to declare one, and ONLY one, circuit they will race on. Not just choose 1 circuit to earn points on, but only 1 to race on. Can you imagine a backup infielder for the White Sox getting up one day and saying, "I think I'll go play for Charlotte for a few days. I really need the at-bats to keep myself sharp." Of course not. NASCAR should be the same. Keep the big-league drivers in Sprint Cup, and leave the Nationwide and truck series to the minor-leaguers.